User:Marklandis59/Professional Veterans Advocates of North Dakota

Professional Veterans Advocates of North Dakota

The Professional Veterans Advocates of North Dakota (PVAND) was established in 2008 as a nonprofit corporation in the State of North Dakota. Members advise U.S. military veterans, their families, and survivors concerning federal, state, and local benefit programs, and assist with benefit claims. The organization also provides input to federal and state officials, including legislators, to effect positive change for veterans. Members must be accredited with the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO). Members become accredited by completing initial accreditation training and achieving a passing score on a written exam. They maintain accreditation by completing a minimum of 16 hours per year of continuing education units. Members serve more than 70% of North Dakota's veterans. PVAND successfully lobbied the 2009 North Dakota Legislature for mandatory NACVSO accreditation of all county veterans service officers in the state, making North Dakota one of the first states in the nation to establish this standard.